More Manaslu pre-trek reading: Where Rivers Meet by Clint Rogers

Those going on a Manaslu Trek will pass through Samdo, and you may indeed have an acclimatisation rest day here.

Depending on the time of year that you trek, you might find people busy with a range of different activities, or indeed, in winter there maybe next to nobody there. How do these people make a living? Where did they come from? How do they get on with their neighbours in Sama? No doubt you’ll have more questions.

Clint Rogers spent a year living with the community there, primarily researching contemporary Himalayan caravan trade, and while his work focused on that, his book will give you a clear idea about life in Samdo, traditional practises and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Coupled with Geoff Childs’ book about Samagaon, you’ll have a much better appreciation of life in this mountain area under the shadow of Manaslu (Mount Pungyen – the ornate pile as it translates!)